Some problems now emerging on aging Esprit's, the Lotus Factory could never have envisaged how much trouble they would cause.
From experience gained in our workshop there is a pattern emerging where Turbo Esprit's built from 1987 onwards and fitted with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection are experiencing problems of catalytic converter failure.
This problem presents by the vehicle suddenly losing power, followed by a distinct smell of over-heating exhaust system.
If this problem is severe enough, then its possible to observe the exhaust manifold glowing cheery red in colour.
If this happens the engine should be shut down immediately before ant permanent damaged is caused.
This problem is best diagnosed from the tail-pipe back towards the engine.
Firstly, remove the muffler to check it is free flowing and no baffles have come lose to block its operation.
Next, check the EBV (if fitted) operation to make sure it opens and closes correctly.
The components are poorly designed because when they become faulty, they fail shut.
This is the primary reason why most Lotus Esprit owners remove the EBV or wire it permanently open.
Next, check the main catalytic converter (Lotus part number A082S4153F) is patent and is free to flow exhaust gases.
The next component to check in the system is the pre-cat or starter catalytic converter (Lotus part number B082S4133F)
The starter catalytic converter is located between the main unit and the exhaust outlet adapter.
It is not immediately obvious when examining this short section of exhaust pipe that it contains a small converter.
It is the internal matrix that fails and dislodges itself from the pipe walls, then eventually rotates blocking off the exhaust gas flow.
The following photographs are typical of the pre-cat failure.
With the catalytic matrix lodged in the exhaust, severely restricts the high speed gases exiting from the turbine outlet adapter
The approved method of resolving this problem is to installed a new pre-cat assembly.
The quick way to remove the obstruction is to cut or chisel sections of the matrix until the remainder dropped out.
The photograph above shows the centre of the matrix has overheated and is probably the reason while it has failed
With this type of problem, it is recommended the entire exhaust system be examined, including the turbo-charger
The turbo-charger needs to be re-installed with new gaskets, fasteners and lock tabs.
Once the turbo-charger is re-installed it can be connected to the rest of the induction system.
This Australian delivered Turbo Esprit is no stranger to the Lotus Marques workshop and has a BOV (blow off valve) fitted to the plenum chamber.
Lotus got this location right on the early turbo Esprit and then discontinued the BOV on the later production vehicles for some reason.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques
From experience gained in our workshop there is a pattern emerging where Turbo Esprit's built from 1987 onwards and fitted with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection are experiencing problems of catalytic converter failure.
This problem presents by the vehicle suddenly losing power, followed by a distinct smell of over-heating exhaust system.
If this problem is severe enough, then its possible to observe the exhaust manifold glowing cheery red in colour.
If this happens the engine should be shut down immediately before ant permanent damaged is caused.
This problem is best diagnosed from the tail-pipe back towards the engine.
Firstly, remove the muffler to check it is free flowing and no baffles have come lose to block its operation.
Next, check the EBV (if fitted) operation to make sure it opens and closes correctly.
The components are poorly designed because when they become faulty, they fail shut.
This is the primary reason why most Lotus Esprit owners remove the EBV or wire it permanently open.
Next, check the main catalytic converter (Lotus part number A082S4153F) is patent and is free to flow exhaust gases.
The next component to check in the system is the pre-cat or starter catalytic converter (Lotus part number B082S4133F)
The starter catalytic converter is located between the main unit and the exhaust outlet adapter.
It is not immediately obvious when examining this short section of exhaust pipe that it contains a small converter.
It is the internal matrix that fails and dislodges itself from the pipe walls, then eventually rotates blocking off the exhaust gas flow.
The following photographs are typical of the pre-cat failure.
With the catalytic matrix lodged in the exhaust, severely restricts the high speed gases exiting from the turbine outlet adapter
The approved method of resolving this problem is to installed a new pre-cat assembly.
The quick way to remove the obstruction is to cut or chisel sections of the matrix until the remainder dropped out.
The photograph above shows the centre of the matrix has overheated and is probably the reason while it has failed
With this type of problem, it is recommended the entire exhaust system be examined, including the turbo-charger
The turbo-charger needs to be re-installed with new gaskets, fasteners and lock tabs.
Once the turbo-charger is re-installed it can be connected to the rest of the induction system.
This Australian delivered Turbo Esprit is no stranger to the Lotus Marques workshop and has a BOV (blow off valve) fitted to the plenum chamber.
Lotus got this location right on the early turbo Esprit and then discontinued the BOV on the later production vehicles for some reason.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques